Forum hears mobile phone coverage worries

A roundtable discussion has been held in Geraldton in relation to the Federal Government's $100 million fund to improve mobile coverage in the regions.

The Communication Minister's Parliamentary Secretary, Paul Fletcher, has been told of concerns mid-west locals have in regards to blackspots in connectivity.

The money, which was announced before last year's federal election, will be spent on improving mobile phone services along major transport routes, in small communities and in locations prone to experiencing natural disasters.

Mr Fletcher says there are many communities in northern WA that experience poor mobile coverage.

"Now of course, people are using their smart phones, they're using their tablets, they're getting their connectivity over the mobile network," he said.

"Telecom companies spend a lot of money each year expanding their network but there will always be places they won't go to for commercial reasons.

"This is about trying to get some of those places coverage when they wouldn't get it otherwise."

Kalbarri

Durack MP Melissa Price, who also attended the meeting, says she has been advised of the impact poor mobile reception can have on emergency service organisations.

"A good example is the emergency service people that came to the meeting up from Kalbarri," she said.

"They were talking about the national park. It can be a dangerous place, it's hot and dry.

"I think that's a good example of a community that needs better coverage but also from a tourist perspective."